Owen could be Real deal - Butregueno

Real Madrid’s legendary striker Emilio Butragueno insists there is no danger of Michael Owen being left to rot on the bench in Spain.

Butragueno, Real’s acting general manager, believes the Spanish club’s three Englishmen can transform the side’s fortunes and that Owen, David Beckham and Jonathan Woodgate will all play a significant part this season.

Owen’s role looks most under pressure as he will have to compete with Raul, Ronaldo and Fernando Morientes up front but Butragueno, who was nicknamed ‘The Vulture’ during his playing days because of his finishing ability, has no fears for the England striker.

Butragueno, who brushes off comparisons between himself and Owen, said: “Last season we learned that you need not just a starting line-up, we need a squad.

“We will play many games this season and every player is going to be important and all of them will have an opportunity to play. We think they will all play an important role.

“Every player is different, just like every human being is different, but I think Michael is a very good player and we hope that he’s going to be successful.”

Butragueno insists there is no particular reason why Real are suddenly looking to English players – “they are great players, simple as that” – but acknowledged Owen and Woodgate may need time to get used to their new environment.

He added: “Madrid is a nice city but you need a certain time to settle down but we hope that both Michael and Jonathan will do a great job.

“For us every season is similar, because the pressure is the same and our players have to show their responsibility. Every games you have to win and it’s a challenge.

“Every year is the same and at the beginning of every season our fans expect to see us win some titles.

“We feel we are stronger than last season. We felt that the team needed balance, that’s why we decided to sign two defenders.”

Real have a new man at the helm, Jose Antonio Camacho, the hard man of the team when Butragueno was a player.

He added: “I played with him for five seasons and I know definitely what kind of man he is. I’m sure he is able to lead this group of players.

“He’s very honest, very correct, very strict and the way he understands soccer means he will be a success.”